The spectacular Nao Santa María has arrived at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, with visitors set to be given the chance to step aboard the historic ship from Wednesday.
The full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s famous 15th-century flagship sailed into Canning Dock on Tuesday 11 August, becoming the latest eye-catching vessel to visit Liverpool’s waterfront.
The ship will officially open to visitors on Wednesday 12 August and remain at the Royal Albert Dock until Saturday 15 August, giving people the opportunity to climb aboard and discover what life at sea was like more than 500 years ago.
A piece of maritime history arrives in Liverpool
The Nao Santa María is a faithful recreation of the flagship used by Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage across the Atlantic.
Visitors stepping aboard in Liverpool will be able to explore the ship’s different decks and learn more about its history, construction and the conditions experienced by sailors during long voyages in the 15th century.
The replica was built by the Fundación Nao Victoria in Punta Umbría, Spain, with construction taking around 14 months between 2017 and 2018.
Measuring approximately 29 metres long and weighing around 200 tonnes, the vessel was constructed as a travelling museum and has since visited ports around the world.
Liverpool is one of a number of destinations on the Nao Santa María’s international tour this year.
Its arrival follows the visit of the Galeón Andalucía to Liverpool in September 2025, which also gave visitors the opportunity to step aboard a recreation of an historic Spanish vessel.
When can you visit the Nao Santa María in Liverpool?
The Nao Santa María will be at Canning Dock, Salthouse Quay, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool from Wednesday 12 August until Saturday 15 August 2026.
The ship will be open to visitors each day from 10am until 8pm.
Those heading aboard will be able to walk around the vessel and discover more about its history through the exhibition and interpretation found throughout the ship.
Advance booking is recommended, with organisers previously advising that online ticket holders will be given priority and tickets may not be available at the dock if advance allocations sell out. Visitors able to find further information and book tickets through the official Nao Santa María website.
The arrival gives Liverpool another unusual maritime attraction to explore this summer, but visitors only have four days to experience the Nao Santa María before it continues its journey.
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